Archive for 'National Football League'
49ers Hire Rathman to Coach Running Backs
The San Francisco 49ers have dipped into the past to replace dismissed running backs coach Tony Nathan. Tom Rathman, a former 49er player from the teams glory years was named as the teams running backs coach after an interview with head coach Mike Singletary, Wednesday, (1/07).
Rathman was a versatile fullback for San Francisco from 1986-93, winning two Super Bowls during his tenure. Rathman also coached the 49ers running backs under former head coach Steve Mariucci, from 1997-2002. Rathman followed Mariucci to Detroit before joining the Oakland Raiders coaching staff in 2006, where he has spent the last three seasons. In his 11 seasons as an NFL coach, Rathman has built a reputation as a running backs coach with experience and expertise in the West Coast offense.
Despite the presence of 1,000 yard rusher Frank Gore, the 49ers finished 27th in the league in rushing in 2008, and Singletary has made it very clear that he wants the 49ers to be a run oriented team in the future.
The search for a replacement for recently fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz continues.
Contributions from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Posted: January 8th, 2009 under National Football League.
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NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend Set
AFC Divisional Playoffs
Saturday, Jan. 10th.
6. Baltimore Ravens (11-5, 1-0 in playoffs) at 1. Tennessee Titans (13-3)
LP Field, 1:30 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 11th.
4. San Diego Chargers (8-8, 1-0) at 2. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Hienz Field, 1:45 p.m. (CBS)
NFC Divisional Playoffs
Saturday, Jan. 10th.
4. Arizona Cardinals (9-7, 1-0) at 2. Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Bank of America Stadium, 5:15 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Jan. 11th.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, 1-0) at 1. New York Giants (12-4)
Giants Stadium, 10:00 a.m. (FOX)
Posted: January 4th, 2009 under National Football League.
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San Francisco 49ers Fire Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz
Sighting the need to go in a “different direction”, newly appointed San Francisco 49er head coach Mike Singletary made his first major decision and it cost offensive coordinator Mike Martz his job.
Singletary announced the dismissal of Martz Tuesday afternoon. Said Singletary, “After an evaluation period I felt it was best to go in a different direction.”
Martz took over an offense that ranked at or near the bottom of every statistical category during the 2007 season and brought a measure of respectability to the San Francisco offense in 2008. The 49ers finished the season ranked 23rd in the league in total offense (up from 32nd and last in 2007). The 49ers finished the season ranked 13th in passing offense.
Martz, a former Super Bowl head coach took the news as well as could be expected. “This is just part of professional sports.” Said Martz.
The next offensive coordinator will be San Francisco’s fifth in as many years. “I do recognize the need for a long term solution on the offensive side of the ball.” Said Singletary.
A long term solution in the NFL ?
In other NFL news. The Denver Broncos fired two time Super Bowl winning head coach Mike Shanahan. The Broncos sqandered a three game lead with three … Click the headline to continue reading this LSN Story
Posted: December 30th, 2008 under National Football League.
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NFL Playoff Picture Set
AFC Wild-Card Weekend
5. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at 4. San Diego Chargers (8-8)
Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, 5:00 p.m. (NBC)
6. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at 3. Miami Dolphins (11-5)
Dolphin Stadium, Sunday, 10:00 a.m. (CBS)
Byes: 1. Tennessee Titans (13-3), 2. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
NFC Wild-Card Weekend
5. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) at 4. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
University of Phoenix Stadium, Saturday, 1:30 p.m. (NBC)
6. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at 3. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Sunday, 1:30 p.m. (FOX)
Byes: 1. New York Giants (12-4), 2. Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Posted: December 28th, 2008 under National Football League.
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Oakland Raiders End Bucs Playoff Hopes
The Oakland Raiders shocked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday in Tampa, 31-24, ending any chance that the Bucs, and former Raider head coach Jon Gruden had of going to the playoffs.
Oakland was led by second year running back Michael Bush, who romped through the Tampa Bay defense for a career high 177 rushing yards . Bush also accounted for two Raider touchdowns, including a 67-yard run in the fourth quarter that helped put the game away.
The Raiders mostly dismal season ends on a high note, with the team winning it’s final two games. The team finished with a 4-8 record under interim head coach Tom Cable (5-11 overall). Cable took over the top spot following team owner Al Davis’ much publicized firing of Lane Kiffin. There has been no word from Raider headquarters on the future status of Cable.
Posted: December 28th, 2008 under National Football League.
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49ers Remove “Interim” from Singletary’s Title
The San Francisco 49ers announced Sunday evening, that interim head coach Mike Singletary would be retained as the team’s full time head coach.
General Manager Scot McCloughan made the announcement following the 49ers 27-24 season ending victory over the Washington Redskins.
“After discussions with ownership, we agree that Mike has earned the head coach position,” said McCloughan. Singletary won 5 of 9 games after taking over for Mike Nolan. Nolan was fired after the 49ers got off to a 2-5 start.
San Francisco rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit Sunday at home, defeating the Redskins 27-24 on Joe Nedneys 40-yard field goal as time expired.
Posted: December 28th, 2008 under National Football League.
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